Story Highlights

WEST LAFAYETTE -- Three plays Frankie Williams made in the season opener directly led to the Boilermakers pulling out a victory over Western Michigan.

But those aren't the plays on the mind of the junior safety.

"I had three plays I wish I could get back," Williams said. "I'm going to hone in on those plays. They're going to haunt me all season."

Williams allowed a Broncos' receiver behind him in deep coverage, took a bad angle on a rushing play and missed a tackle. But without the contributions in other areas — an interception and two punt returns — Purdue is likely looking at 0-1 instead of 1-0 heading into Saturday's matchup against Central Michigan.

"He contributed to all those points we scored on offense," quarterback Danny Etling said. "When you have a short field, it's a lot easier and your play calls are so much different. He was such a great player last week. Hopefully, he can continue to do that all year."

Those big plays are how Williams wants to be defined.

"As much as I can, I'll do it," Williams said.

The 56-yard interception return midway through the second quarter brought the Boilermakers to the 4-yard line. Three plays later, Etling scored on a draw.

"I saw a great rush," Williams said. "They flushed (the quarterback) out to our right and I saw a guy right behind our linebackers and the play was right there. I jumped it."

The first of two punt returns gave Purdue the ball at the Western Michigan 48 with 1:17 before halftime. It led to a field goal.

His third-quarter punt return, covering 36 yards, set up Etling's 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Gabe Holmes and a 37-21 lead.

"Those openings started on Tuesday at practice with the great 10 guys in front of me," Williams said. "All we talk about is for each second they hold up it's about 10 yards for that returner. You look on the film and you'll see two seconds in those 20 yards. Guys are giving the extra effort. I have the easy job. Just catch and run that way."

The job changed at the beginning of training camp when the 5-9, 189-pound Williams moved from cornerback to safety. He's playing the position normally held by Taylor Richards, who is suspended for the first two games following an alcohol-related arrest in December.

Coach Darrell Hazell hasn't determined what the lineup will be when Richards returns for the Sept. 13 game against Notre Dame.

But for Williams, it's about making plays, regardless of the position.

"I feel like at both safety and cornerback there's an opportunity for you to make one play," Williams said. "You can get that one interception each game. I just happened to make that play when it came to me."